26 Nov 2018
TM reports operational improvement for 3Q2018 despite challenging environment
Key Highlights of 3Q2018:
Key Highlights of YTD 2018:
Announces Revised Dividend Policy |
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2018. The Group saw steady operational performance, amidst heightened challenges in its operating environment, namely industry and market challenges impacting its revenue.
The Group held revenue steady, at RM2.95 billion in 3Q2018, 0.3% higher from RM2.94 billion in the previous quarter, on the back of higher data as well as other telecommunication related services revenue.
Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 3Q2018 grew 11.3% to RM941.4 million as compared to RM845.9 million in 2Q2018 mainly due to lower operating costs. Group Normalised EBITDA, which excludes non-operational items, increased 13.1%, at RM930.9 million.
However, due to impairment loss on wireless and fixed network assets, the Group recorded Loss Before Interest and Tax (LBIT) at RM631.8 million for 3Q2018. Without the reported impairment and other non-operational items, the Group’s Normalised Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is at RM315.6 million for 3Q2018, a 39.4% increase against Normalised EBIT of RM226.4 million in 2Q2018.
Consequently, the Group reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million compared with RM102.0 million Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) in the prior quarter. TM’s core net profit, or Normalised PATAMI excluding non-operational items, stood at RM266.4 million, a 71.0% improvement sequentially.
The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for the first nine months of 2018 at RM1.32 billion, or 15.1% of revenue. This is within TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 62% of total spending, followed by core network at 15% and the remaining 23% was for support systems.
Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We continue to face various headwinds from competitive market dynamics. Nonetheless, we held revenue steady over the quarter, and saw our cost reduction initiatives bearing fruit, by recording improved operational performance for QoQ and YoY.
However, in light of the continued pressure from industry and market challenges and its impact on our revenue thus far, we have taken a prudent view, by undertaking the impairment of our network assets – this resulted in close to a RM1.0 billion impairment loss this quarter.”
“The operational improvement in 3Q2018 is testament to the Group’s commitment to the four (4) pillars of our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) - Revenue Uplift / Preservation, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity that will navigate us through these headwinds. We are rationalising our business, reducing operating costs and focusing our resources on the opportunities that will have the most impact,” Imri elaborated.
“We currently have 2.29 million broadband customers and our unifi customer base continues to grow at 1.26 million as at end of 3Q2018 as compared to 1.06 million as at the end of the corresponding quarter last year. In terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 48% of TM’s household penetration compared with 39% this time last year,” he added.
“We will continue to strengthen our products and services portfolio and we are stepping up how we aggressively compete in the market, with greater sales and Go-To-Market activities on the ground. We are also working hard to reach more customers with various fit-for-purpose technologies to ensure that everyone can have the benefit of higher broadband speeds and enhanced experience. On top of that, we also have continuous engagements with the Ministry and the regulator to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes - for an improved broadband experience and help build a more balanced and inclusive digital nation, whilst at the same time balancing the business sustainability of the Group and the interests of our other stakeholders.”
TM also announced a revised dividend policy which states that the Company intends to distribute yearly dividends of 40 to 60% from its PATAMI. Dividends will be paid depending on overall business and earnings performance, capital commitments, financial conditions, distributable reserves and other relevant factors. The dividend policy will take effect from the next dividend declaration.
“This is a matter of great importance to us. In light of the current operating landscape and after careful consideration of the potential impact on our earnings alongside our efforts to transform the Company to adapt thereto, the Board has determined the review of our dividend policy to support TM’s long-term strategic objectives.”
As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM remains committed to fulfilling Malaysians’ digital and communication needs of all customer segments i.e., consumer, SME, corporate enterprises, public sectors, access seekers etc via our business clusters, unifi (consumer & SME), TM ONE (Enterprise and Public sectors) and TM Global (Global and Wholesale).
Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018
The recent industry challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the financial year. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both its retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue to focus towards strengthening performance of its core business and operations.
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TM transformation reinforces customer centricity
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its results for the financial year ended 31 December 2018. In addition, it also introduced its Performance Improvement Programme 2019- 2021(PIP2019-2021). Key Strategic Developments / Key Focus 2019: TM continues on its strategic journey to transform into “New TM” – a customer centric organisation to enable Malaysia’s Digital Nation aspirations through Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure. TM is extending the 4 pillars of Performance Improvement Programme 2018 (PIP2018) (Revenue Preservation & Uplift, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity) through to the next phase. Over the next 3 years, TM will focus on three (3) strategic pillars - Converged Services, Simplification & Digitalisation, Lean & Lower Cost, with its integrated network infrastructure together with its digital platforms and Warga TM as the enablers. Financial and Operational Highlights FY2018 TM was impacted by persistent headwinds in the industry and operating landscape over 2018. The Group posted a revenue of RM11.82 billion, 2.2% lower from RM12.09 billion in 2017. Internet revenue growth during the year under review was offset by lower data, voice and other services. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) was at RM64.6 million. During the financial year, the Group has recognised a provision of RM982.5 million for the impairment of fixed and wireless network assets following the continued pressure from challenging business, industry and economic conditions, combined. Group’s Normalised EBIT was RM1.07 billion, within 2018 guidance. PIP2018 initiatives such as cost optimisation yielded improved operating performance despite the lower revenue. Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) was at RM153.2 million, whilst Group Normalised PATAMI was RM632.4 million. The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for 2018 was RM2.14 billion, or 18.1% of revenue; which was lower than TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 57.4% of total spending, followed by core network at 17.8% and the remaining 24.8% was for support systems. In 2018, investments were focused on expanding connectivity via deployment of broadband ports and mobile coverage, as well as on digital infrastructure for ICT, data centre, cloud and smart solutions. Sustained customer satisfaction with Customer Satisfaction Measure (TRI*M index) score of more than 73, continuing the record of above global telco average of 66. Broadband updates: Increased Convergence penetration 53% of TM Households 2.23 million broadband customer base comprising 1.30 million unifi and 936k Streamyx customers. Updates on 2018 broadband programmes: > 911,000 unifi customers upgraded to 10 times existing speed > 239,000 Streamyx customers upgraded to unifi > 181,000 Streamyx customers upgraded to 2 times existing speed where technology permits For those yet to be upgraded, TM will continue ongoing discussions with the Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explore specific funding options, various fit-for-purpose technologies as well as optimising existing industry mechanisms in order to deliver a better broadband experience nationwide. TM ONE: Focused on industry verticals of enterprise and public sector to enable customers’ digital aspiration Expansion of digital infrastructure with completion of twin core data centre TM GLOBAL Continued to fortify the industry backbone and connecting Malaysia to the world Declares interim cash dividend of 2.0 sen per share or RM75.1 million; with expected pay out date on 12 April 2019. 2019 Guidance: Revenue between low to medium single digit decline, EBIT to be higher than 2018 level and Customer Satisfaction Measure of 74. Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer / Chief Operating Officer commenting on the results: “2018 was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times TM has ever faced. We worked tirelessly to address the competitive landscape and industry dynamics, without losing focus on our strategies and organisational mission. We took a big hit but this has only strengthened our resolve to make good on what we need to deliver to all our stakeholders. We are continuing on our next phase of transformation via the PIP2019-2021 to ensure our resilience and long-term sustainability towards shaping a “New TM” that reinforces customer centricity. The “New TM” does not mean that we are going to emerge as something totally “different”. The “New TM” is TM as you have always known it, in an enhanced state. All that we, as an organisation, have stood for all these years still remain the same and relevant. We have always been at the frontier of each telecommunication technology evolution in the nation. Our vast and deep experience has equipped us with the right tools, people and mindset to elevate Malaysia into a Digital Nation through connectivity & digital infrastructure. The “New TM” will remain as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion for all - consumers and businesses alike. In transforming to become the ‘New TM” by 2021, we will incrementally and continuously improve on how we do things, in a new and simpler way, in order to serve you better. We will be here for our customers as a one-stop shop, enabling them to access our multitude of offerings and effortless support to fulfil all of their digital lifestyle needs. Beyond just connectivity, TM ONE, our Enterprise and Public sector cluster will focus and solidify our strength in serving 7 key industry verticals – Banking and Finance, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Health and Education, Defence and Security, Public Shared Services and Retail. TM GLOBAL, our global and wholesale arm, will continue to serve as the industry backbone, connecting Malaysia to the world via our connectivity and digital infrastructure. Customer centricity is our true north. Our key priorities this year will be to deliver customer excellence, drive high performance whilst we continue to explore new frontiers of growth through continuous innovation that is inspired by customer insights. We will also work towards futureproofing our people through capability-building, future-skilling and new ways of working. Our philosophy of ‘customers first and simplicity’ will be at the core of everything that we do. On the customer front, we are able to serve our customers better across products from end-to-end with our converged networks of fixed and wireless; connected seamlessly with ICT infrastructure and digital platforms. In the meantime, we will continue sweating our assets to optimise performance and achieve better focus through convergence. We will leverage on connectivity to defend and grow our core business and partnership ecosystems to explore new businesses. We will also prudently manage our costs to deliver better value for investors, shareholders and stakeholders. With these priorities, we remain committed to deliver the best of our solutions and the best of experience - towards making “Life and Business Easier for a Better Malaysia”.” Prospects for the Next Financial Year Ending 31 December 2019 Year 2018 has been a challenging year for the industry. TM expects the environment to remain challenging, impacting our business operations. TM will accelerate Convergence and empower Digital in line with its transformation that reinforces Customer Centricity. The transformation plan will be anchored on the Performance Improvement Program 2019-2021 and will focus on bringing a convergence digital lifestyle to all Malaysians and on enabling enterprise and public sector industry verticals to realise their full digital potential whilst being the industry backbone, connecting Malaysia to the world.
TM turns in revenue of RM5.78 billion YTD for 1H2018 amidst challenging environment
Key Highlights of 1H2018: Performance to-date: Group Revenue of RM5.78 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at RM1.61 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) stood at RM444.5 million; Group Normalised EBIT at RM433.0 million Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) was RM259.1 million; Group Normalised PATAMI stood at RM261.1 million Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the first half of the year ended 30 June 2018. The Group posted revenue of RM5.78 billion year-to-date, 2.7% lower from RM5.94 billion in the corresponding period last year. This was primarily due to a decline in voice, data and other telecommunication related services as well as provisions recognised against wholesale revenue impacted by regulatory mandated access pricing. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 1H2018 was RM1.61 billion as compared to RM1.80 billion in 1H2017 mainly due to the lower revenue. Stripping off non-operational items, such as unrealised forex loss on trade settlement, Group Normalised EBITDA was 13.9% lower, at RM1.60 billion. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) for 1H2018 was RM444.5 million as compared to RM560.9 million in 1H2017. Stripping off some non-operational items, in particular unrealised foreign exchange loss on international trade settlement, normalised EBIT stood at RM433.0 million. Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) was at RM259.1 million, whilst Group Normalised PATAMI was RM261.1 million, after setting aside non-operational items such as unrealised forex impact on borrowings and international trade settlements. Datuk Bazlan Osman, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: "The first six months of 2018 has been very challenging for us, from rapid developments in the market to increasing regulatory pressures. Given the current landscape, these events further add challenges to our financial performance. Being cognizant of the potential impact to TM, we had revised our 2018 Headline KPIs as well as Capex guidance in early July 2018. Alongside this revision, we also launched our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) as a broad initiative to overcome the headwinds. The PIP 2018 is guided by four (4) main pillars - Revenue Uplift, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity. We expect the regulatory and sector challenges to persist in the near-to-midterm and undertaking these PIP 2018 initiatives are necessary measures to ensure the sustainability of our business for the long term." The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) for 1H2018 amounted to RM710 million or equivalent to 12.3% of revenue. Of the total capex investment, 18% was allocated for Core Network, 59% was for Access, and the balance 23% for Support Systems. “Delivering convergence and going digital remains our priority. We will continue to focus on growth, yet be more prudent in our spending and sweat our existing assets. As such, we are also revising our capex guidance for the full year to 19 – 20% of revenue.” “We currently have 2.30 million broadband customers and in terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 47% compared to just 37% in 2Q 2017,” he added. At the media briefing, TM also announced that its unifi Basic plan, which is a 60GB broadband-only unifi plan will now be extended to everyone beginning September 2018 (no longer exclusive for households with income of less than RM4,500 per month). “Affordability and accessibility of quality highspeed broadband services is important to TM, and we are committed to lead the charge to unlock the potential of a digitally-savvy Malaysia. As such, we are happy to announce that we are extending the unifi basic plan to all,” he concluded. Comparison: Quarter-on-Quarter (2Q2018 vs 1Q2018 Results) For the current quarter under review, Group Revenue stood at RM2.94 billion, higher by 3.1% QoQ mainly attributed to an increase in data, internet and other telecommunication related services. Group EBITDA rose 10.3% QoQ to RM845.9 million from RM766.7 million the previous quarter. Stripping off non-operational items, such as unrealised forex loss on trade settlement, Group Normalised EBITDA was 5.9% higher, at RM823.4 million. Group EBIT grew by 27.2% QoQ to RM248.9 million from RM195.6 million in 1Q2018. On a normalised basis, EBIT improved by 9.6% QoQ to RM226.4 million from RM206.6 million in 1Q2018. Group PATAMI was at RM102.0 million, lower by 35.1% QoQ from RM157.1 million in the preceding quarter, whilst Group Normalised PATAMI was RM155.8 million QoQ, higher by 48.0% QoQ, after setting aside non-operational items such as unrealised foreign exchange impact on borrowings and international trade settlements. Comparison: Year-on-Year (2Q2018 vs 2Q2017 Results) For the current quarter under review, Group Revenue stood at RM2.94 billion, lower by 1.5% YoY mainly due to voice and data services. Group EBIT stood at RM248.9 million, lower by 3.2% YoY from RM257.1 million in 2Q2017. On a normalised basis, EBIT was lower by 25.6% YoY to RM226.4 million from RM304.5 million in 2Q2017. Group PATAMI stood at RM102.0 million, less 51.5% as compared to 2Q2017; whilst Normalised PATAMI also decreased 25.1% YoY to RM155.8 million from RM208.0 million in 2Q2017. Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018 The recent regulatory challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the current quarter. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both of our retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue our focus towards strengthening performance of our core business and operations.
unifi is now available in Mukah!
TM continues to empower the digital transformation in sub-urban and undeveloped areas Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) continues to strengthen its position as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, bringing unlimited experiences, unmatched choices and unbeatable value to customers in Sarawak with its comprehensive suite of High Speed Broadband service offerings when the Company, through TM Sarawak recently expanded its unifi service to Mukah Division, in Mukah, Sarawak. A launching ceremony to celebrate the milestone was held at the Resident Office for Mukah Division and graced by Hajah Hamdiah Haji Bakir, the Resident of Mukah Division, together with Jafer Sadig Abdul Lathiff, State General Manager, TM Sarawak and Awang Abdul Khairulannuar, Business Head, TM Sibu. In her speech, Hajah Hamdiah said, “The unifi service offering in Mukah is timely as Sarawak is currently embarking on digital economy to further propel its economic growth. The telecommunication infrastructure to support high-speed internet connectivity needs to be made available in order for digital economy to be adopted successfully for the benefits of the business and residential communities in Mukah. As the nation’s trusted telecommunications services provider, with its extensive network and expertise, we believe TM is more than capable to facilitate our digital transformation journey. We hope TM will continue to further expand its unifi service throughout the state not only covering the urban areas but also the sub-urban and rural areas to bridge the digital gap with their urban counterparts.” Meanwhile, Jafer Sadig said: “The expansion of TM’s unifi service in Mukah fulfills the demand from our customers and it will enable the local communities, specifically in Mukah, Sarawak to enjoy fully converged communications services; unifi Broadband, unifi Mobile, unifi Wifi and unifi TV. The availability of unifi in Mukah is hoped to spearhead Sarawak’s Digital Economy, bridging the digital gap, connecting people wherever they are via digital connectivity, encouraging online e-commerce, e-banking and e-payments; true to our brand promise of Making Life and Business Easier, for a better Malaysia. We also would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the entire Warga Keluarga TM who have made this achievement possible. As the nation’s key partner in supporting the Government’s inspiration of providing High Speed Broadband access with an affordable price, we are committed to transform the landscape of Sarawak with advanced telecommunications services to spur the economic growth via digital opportunities at the urban areas as well as the sub-urban areas.” With this expansion, unifi is now available in Mukah in key areas which include Politeknik Mukah until Kingwood Resort, Menara Pehin which houses most of the State Government departments in Mukah including Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) - the administrator for Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). The expansion will also include Jalan Orang Kaya Setiaraja and Jalan Petanak which will receive the service by end of September 2018. Further expansion will cover other areas such as Jalan Medan Setiaraja, Jalan Tellian, Jalan Hj Latip, Jln Kampung Pinang, Jalan Mohammad Fauzi, Taman Pelita Jaya and Jalan Mukah/Oya while other locations will be fiberised by unifi in stages. “In line with the Broadband Improvement Plan, I’m also excited to share that our new unifi package, unifi Basic are now available for everyone at an affordable price of RM79 per month, bringing Malaysia in the group of other neighboring Asian countries (other than City State Countries) which offer fixed high speed broadband of 30Mbps at an affordable price,” Jaffer continued. New unifi Plans unifi is now available with simplified offerings in two (2) new plans to cater to the dynamic needs of all customers. The existing unifi Basic plan which offers the speed of 30Mbps (60GB quota) at RM79 per month is now open for all. Subscription to this plan will come with 17 free channels on playTV@unifi app which can be downloaded on Apple Store or Google Play. For customers who prefer unlimited quota to cater to their advanced digital lifestyle such as online entertainment, home surveillance, e-sports among others, the new unifi 100Mbps plan is available at only RM129 per month. This will come with unifi TV’s choice of premium entertainment packages with either Aneka Plus, Varnam Plus or Ruby Plus package. In Sarawak, unifi is currently available at 24 areas comprising more than 172,000 premises passed in 24 areas such as Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang among others. To date, there are over 75,000 unifi customers in Sarawak. To find out more on unifi’s latest offerings, please visit unifi.com.my.
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